Saturday, June 26, 2010

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) wants changes in Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) for speedy investigation and trial of corrupt public servants.

Besides seeking more special trial courts, the apex anti-corruption watchdog has asked the government to relook the legal and statutory powers it has for initiating probe against corrupt officials that would help in the speedy disposal of corruption cases.

"There is a need to amend the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 197 of CrPC to enable faster sanction from authorities concerned to speed up inquiry and the judicial process," Chief Vigilance Commissioner Pratyush Sinha told a news agency.

Sinha also said, "We have requested the government to increase the number of special courts to speed up the trials under the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act." At present an estimated 40 special courts have been set up for the trial of cases under the PCA.

"There are certain types of cases where disciplinary authorities are reluctant to give accord in time to take necessary action against corrupt employees. There is a need of taking a fresh look into some legal and statutory powers given to us," he added.

As per the provision, the Central Vigilance Commission has to inform a panel led by the Cabinet Secretary before initiating inquiries against officers of the rank of joint secretary and above in the Central government.

The CVC said government departments must use information technology enabled services including floating tenders for procurement and in recruitment to keep at bay human interference.